Category: Guides

Mattress shopping is a lengthy process. This is especially true if you aren’t completely aware of what kinds of mattresses are available for you or what each one has to offer. Two of the most popular types are latex and gel foam.

They may sound very similar, which is true, but they also have differences that could make or break your decision as to which one is best for you. Finding the proper mattress for you could be the difference between Latex

The core of latex mattresses are made from the sap of the rubber tree, making them all natural if they aren’t synthetically made. These are considered to be the best type of mattresses for back pain because of their ability to conform so well to the spine, creating proper spinal alignment. These are also ideal for those with allergies because the are naturally hypoallergenic.A mattress

Gel foam mattresses aren’t usually naturally hypoallergenic unless they’re made from a specific type of foam or they have been processed differently.

Types Of Latex Mattresses

Before you go choosing any latex mattress, it’s best to know what kinds there are. An all latex mattress is completely made from that material, edge to edge. There are no other layers to it, it’s just all latex, whether synthetic, natural, blended, or dunlop. These are usually less common and way more expensive than the others types.

Latex over foam is a multilayer design that has a thin top layer of latex over a thick foam base. These are more readily available and cost less than complete latex mattresses. Don’t be worried about its ability to ease pain because of this, though. These types of beds have the joint pain and back pain reduction effect.

Foam over latex is just how it sounds. It’s a multi-layer design that features a thin memory foam layer on top of of a thicker latex base. These are great for those looking for good back support.

Overall, latex mattresses are rather expensive if you are looking for something hypoallergenic and natural. These do have fantastic pain relieving properties, however, unless they are made with airflow technology, they won’t keep you as cool as a gel foam mattress would.

Gel Foam

Gel foam mattresses tend to be more durable and comfortable than traditional memory foam mattresses. They are resistant to motion transfer, so when your partner moves around in their sleep or get in and out of bed, you’re less likely to feel it.

Gel foam mattresses are also much more breathable than memory foam mattresses and latex alike. They are usually made with micro-gel beads that keep your body temperature stable all night long. This means that you won’t overheat or wake up sweating like you would on some latex mattresses.

Gel memory foam mattresses also offer you a balanced support. It gives you a firm and comfortable sleeping surface without giving off a quicksand feeling, much like Latex. They also offer great pressure relief for the hips and shoulders. Gel foam mattresses cradle the body so that these pressure points are relieved, something that traditional mattresses may make worse.

Overall, gel foam mattresses are much like latex in that they offer pressure relief and spinal alignment, however, they tend to offer more of a cooling factor than latex. They are also a little less expensive and if you’re on a budget, this is definitely the better option. These are also more readily available than completely natural latex mattresses.

Conclusion

Gel and latex mattresses both have their strong points. If you are one who doesn’t care for sleeping hot, a gel mattress would be an ideal fit for you. If you can get over the warm sleeping, or you just like to be warm throughout the night, go for latex.

No matter what you go with, just make sure that is the healthiest mattress for you. You can’t wake up refreshed in the morning on a mattress that twists your body all out of whack. Make sure you get the right firmness for your body and that your spine is properly aligned while you’re sleeping.

Some people are able to do everything right when it comes to waking up on time.

They go to bed early and somehow their internal body clock wakes them up on time every day. For most people, going to sleep on time, is a struggle.

There are five simple ways to help you sleep better and wake up on time.

Charge Your Electronic Devices in the Living Room

Many people have a tech toy charging station in their bedrooms. Charging multiple devices at night is one way to be productive, but it does not help you relax or sleep. According to sleep specialist Philip Gehram, Ph.D., an assistant professor of psychology at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, your brain needs to know when you’re in bed.

If you have multiple devices chirping, chiming and ringing during the night that’s not possible. So, charge the devices in another room or put them in silent mode.

Stay Cool

If you think it’s too hot, but your partner think’s it’s too cold, setting your thermostat may be a problem. According to Gehram, it’s harder to cool off. You may need extra blankets and but your partner may need to set the thermostat to a lower temperature.

You can also invest in a dual-weight comforter, so each of you can stay cool at night.

Go Mattress Shopping

A new mattress is well worth the price you’ll pay for it. According to studies, about 47 percent of people lose at least 3 hours of sleep every week, due to their partner’s tossing, turning, snoring and insomnia.

A new mattress can help if your partner’s restless sleep keeps you awake, according to Gehram. Your new mattress should be large enough to give each of you space and stable enough to keep your partner’s movements from disrupting your sleep.

Sleep Sideways

You can get a good night’s sleep, even if your partner is a cuddler. The classic spoon position gives you both lots of bodily contact while allowing you to relax and sleep. This position may also have other benefits.

Sleep expert and chiropractor Jodi Fidler says that the spoon position has been shown to lower stress and increase intimacy if you are sleeping on a good quality mattress and pillow.

Buy an Old-School Clock

Your digital clock may be keeping you awake. The glowing digital display can increase your stress levels and make it difficult to sleep. So, instead of a brightly lit digital clock, look for an old-fashioned clock with hands. When your lights go out at night, you can’t peek at your clock to quickly tell what time it is.

Hypnosis is a natural state of consciousness that we experience on a daily basis but are usually unaware of this fact.

Many people wonder whether self-hypnosis is possible and this is exactly what this article is about.

Almost everyone has been hypnotized before. For example when you watch a very interesting film you put all your focus on the show and thus hypnotize yourself for an hour or more as other things can’t bother you at that moment.

Keywords: hypnosis, hypnotherapy, can you hypnotize yourself, how to hypnotize yourself, how to hypnotize yourself successfully, wake up from hypnosis

Hypnosis is a technique with which we access our subconscious and is a way to communicate with our inner self. Hypnosis is sometimes used for therapy and for relaxation purposes. In this article we will describe in steps how to hypnotize yourself.

Can you hypnotize yourself? Yes you can! In this article we will describe the techniques on how to hypnotize yourself and wake up after that without worrying that something might go wrong. Because it can’t!

First of all, we will start by inducing a light trance and then move on to a deeper state of hypnosis. You can induce hypnosis in many ways (even the famous dangling watch may work for you).

We will focus on a simple induction technique intended to reduce tension and stress.

Are you eager to get to know how to hypnotize yourself? Hypnotize yourself following these simple steps:

1. Find a comfortable room. The room should be quiet and dimly lit. Make sure you will not be interrupted during the process.

Try to relax as much as you can. You can take off your shoes and wear lose clothes or clothes you are very comfortable in.

You can either sit, lie down or stand on both feet during hypnosis. While lying on bed is the most comfortable position there is a great chance you may fall asleep while under trance.

2. Find a small object / item across the room. Focus on it. The object can be anything — a picture or a crack in the wall. Just make sure it is big enough so you will not lose focus of it.

3. As you are staring at the object, silently repeat to yourself that your eyelids are becoming heavy and that you can’t have your eyes opened any more.

Repeat these words every half a minute.

4. Focus on your eyelids. Soon you will start to feel that your eyelids are really feeling heavier. At some point, your eye will close slowly. Let that happen and do not fight the feeling.

5. As your eyes are closing just think of something really nice and say to yourself: “Relax, this is right!”

6. Now when your eyes are close, take in a deep breath and hold your breath for about few seconds.

7. After few seconds, slowly breathe out while making a “swooshing” sound. Continue to breathe slowly and smoothly. Every time while you breathe out, silently say the word “peace” or any other relaxing word, to yourself.

You are now in state of mild hypnosis.

At this point you can maintain this state by breathing in and out very slowly and focusing on relaxing words. You can wake up from this state any time you want. You only need to wish for this to happen and it will happen.

You can now enter a deeper state of hypnosis if you wish and willing.

1. Take a deep breath and hold it for about 10 seconds. Repeat the process a few times.

2. Imagine that you are walking down the stairs very very slowly. Every step is another breathe in and breathe out.

As you begin your journey downstairs, talk to yourself and repeat the following: “I am slowly moving into a deeper state of relaxation.”

3. As you take the stairs down, count every stair while counting from 10 to 1 with each exhale. When you reach number 1 you have reached the bottom of the stairs. Continue the descent and imagine that you take another stairs down.

4. Continue to deepen your state of hypnosis to the point that you feel that you have reached a comfortable level of relaxation and peace. Some people need to only take one stairs, others may need to walk more staircases to reach a deeper state of hypnosis.

You are now in deeper state of hypnosis.

You have successfully hypnotize yourself! Enjoy this feeling as long as you want. Feel the relaxation and calm that surrounds you. Get rid of stress, clear your thoughts.

You can do all that if you repeat the positive words to yourself while you are in state of self-hypnosis. Some of these positive words are:

I am a very self-confident person.

I always feel good about myself.

I am the winner.

My self-esteem and good self-image improve daily.

I can handle all situations well.

Every day I’m getting better and better.

I do not need to smoke. I can control myself!

I feel good about myself and about my accomplishments.

I always think positively.

My memory is getting better and better every day.

Since we have only described how to use self-hypnosis to relax in get rid of stress you should consult a professional if your intent is to use self-hypnosis for other purposes like overcoming smoking, eating disorders, sleep problems (like insomnia) and other problems and disorders.

It is important to note, as already mentioned above, that hypnosis does not mean sleeping and thus there is no need to “wake up” from hypnosis. We rather say that you end the hypnosis.

There has been no case of people that could not wake up / end the hypnosis, so do not worry at all.

If you followed the above steps to hypnotize yourself and was successful you might wonder how to end the hypnosis and return to normal state.

Basically, ending self-hypnosis is very simple. Here is what to do to end the hypnosis. Pick the number (either five or ten) and count backwards towards 1. When you reach number 1, hypnosis will end. While you are counting backwards say to yourself:”When I reach the last number, I will open my eyes and feel fresh, awake and in control!”.

Hypnosis (and self-hypnosis) is a perfectly safe way of dealing with problems. It is totally pain free and not dangerous. It will also not cause any side effects. The only thing with hypnosis is that you need to believe in it. If you do not believe that hypnosis will help you than it will not.

Tags: how to hypnotize yourself, is it possible to hypnotize yourself, how to hypnotize yourself effectively, how to hypnotize yourself fast, how to hypnotize yourself to lose weight, how to hypnotize yourself to fall asleep, how to hypnotize yourself to do anything, how to hypnotize yourself instantly, how to hypnotize yourself to forget someone, how to hypnotize yourself to do something, how to hypnotize yourself to forget something, how to hypnotize yourself to sleep

Sleep forms an essential part of our daily routine. It is what helps rejuvenate our mind and body and prepares us for the onslaught of the following day. However, many individuals find it rather difficult to fall asleep quickly, with some even struggling to sleep at all. The primary cause for this is stress and the presence of different kinds of distractions and worries.

However, there is a solution that can help individuals fall asleep easily and this involves hypnosis. In this article, we shall briefly talk about how you can hypnotize yourself into sleep.

Self hypnosis

Self hypnosis is a technique that allows an individual to focus and concentrate on just themselves and nothing around them. It is important for the individual undergoing self hypnosis to be as relaxed as possible. Sitting or lying down in a comfortable environment is the first step.

Following this, the individual needs to attempt to try and reduce the amount of stress that they are experiencing. This can be achieved through simple breathing with the eyes closed.

When breathing, concentrate on the movements of your chest and attempt to breathe through the mouth with a relaxed jaw. Breathe in and out effortlessly and gently.

Start moving individual parts of your body, beginning with the feet and moving upwards in a gradual manner. When moving them, tell yourself that they are now relaxed and move on to the next aspect. This should continue all the way from the bottom to the top.

As you are doing this, tell yourself that your body is feeling heavy and that you are feeling more tired and increasingly sleepy. Counting backwards from 30 to zero can be helpful. After a short period of time, the individual will start to notice that they are feeling drowsy and eventually will fall asleep.

Preventing risk factors

While self hypnosis may be helpful, there are certain factors that can prevent an individual from falling asleep. For example, drinking coffee late in the evening or just before sleeping can keep one awake. Having a heavy meal has been associated with a lack of sleep as well.

It is recommended that all individuals have a light meal in the evening and sleep at least an hour or two after they have eaten.

Exercise has proven benefit in aiding sleep but must not be performed late in the evening as the ‘high’ associated with exercise can keep individuals awake.

Instead, exercising early in the evening or first thing in the morning is recommended.

Finally, sleeping on time is important. People who have erratic sleep patterns tend to have difficulty falling asleep as the day passes. Using self hypnosis also requires a regular sleep routine so it is important to get this back on track.

Conclusion

a lack of sleep can have detrimental effects on the body. In individuals who are under a great deal of stress or are having difficulty sleeping, hypnosis can help by relaxing the body and slowly allowing it to drift into a deep sleep.

If you have trouble sleeping, you can choose from a host of treatments to help you. Some people prefer going with natural treatments, and there are plenty available. First off, something as simple as a glass of warm milk or a warm bath can help to relax and calm you down. Also, something like meditation, listening to soft music, and even aromatherapy can do the trick. If exercise helps to get your tired, a light workout can help as well.

Lack of Sleep Treatment Options

Then there are things to avoid. Don’t drink soda or coffee, or other things containing caffeine after dinner. Avoid alcohol or smoking, both can pump stimulants into your bloodstream. If exercise gets you charged up, don’t do it; instead, try a bit of light stretching. Also, use your bed for what’s it is intended – sleep.

Well, and one other thing, but we won’t get into that here. The point is, don’t eating, read, watch TV or listen to loud music in bed. You want your mind and body to associate bed with its primary (and secondary) uses. If the sound of silence is detrimental to sleep, try some soothing music.

If those don’t help you to sleep, there are some natural herbal aids to try. Melatonin is one of the best options, it’s a hormone that helps to regulate the body’s sleep cycle, the circadian rhythm. If you just take a small amount every day, it’ll help you sleep. Also, chamomile tea has been used for centuries. If you’re looking for something long term, valerian is very good.

By taking a small dose of it every day for a month, it’ll solely build up in your system. Not only does it help you fall asleep faster, it also improves the overall quality of your sleep. You can also use Kava Kava, but it’s said to have side effects that impact the liver. So, before trying it, check with your doctor. As an herbal treatment, it’s great for reducing your stress levels.

If the herbal treatments don’t work or appeal to you, there are some over the counter (OTC) medication you can try. The sleep medications diphenhydramine and doxylamine are both good. Their main active ingredient is an antihistamine.

The medication prevents the body from releasing histamine; it’s a chemical in the brain that keeps you awake. In addition, a lot of these OTC drugs have a painkiller as another active ingredient. While these drugs are helpful, you have to be careful; they are not intended to be used on a regular basis.

When to see a doctor?

So, if your sleep trouble continues for over a week, then you should see your doctor. Their first step will be to order a sleep study and a full psychological workup. These days, stress is a real issue. So, if you go to the doctor complaining of jaw pains, it could just be that you’re grinding your teeth in your sleep – a sure sign of stress.

Anything from work, personal problems, financial troubles and so on can lead to trouble sleeping. In the case of a psychological issue being the underlying cause, your doctor may recommend talking to a therapist or taking a mild sedative. If actual sleep medication is needed, your doctor can draw from the benzodiazepines and the non-benzodiazepines. Each type has its own pluses and minuses.

With the latter, their side effects are less, and there’s less of a risk of you becoming addicted to them. Typical side effects include dry mouth, bouts of fatigue, and trouble concentrating. There are reports of people almost falling asleep at their work. If these side effects continue, go back to your doctor and review the dosage. Sometimes just reducing it can be enough.

So, it’s clear that you can take your pick from a myriad of sleep treatments. Finding the right one may take some time, but it’s well worth the effort – a good night’s sleep is your reward.

Snoring is one of the most common sleep problems, and while it may not be a big issue for the person suffering from it, it can be for their bed mate! So, let’s look at some treatments you can use to keep you from “sawing wood” or “peeling wallpaper”, as they say.

Why do people snore?

In general, your airway becomes narrower, and this results in an inability to breathe smoothly. As with sleep apnea, the treatments can vary wildly. Sometimes just changing your position in bed is enough, elevating the head, or losing some weight can relieve it.

How to Stop Snoring

First off, a change of position when you sleep can help. Snoring often occurs when you lie on your back. So, try to sleep on your side or stomach. If that’s not an option, maybe just a thicker pillow (or more pillows) to elevate your head will do the trick. Avoid a soft pillow; a firm one will get the proper elevation to your head. With a soft pillow, your throat will relax and this leads to a narrowing of the airways. Also, following a regular sleep routine can help.

Next, there are the things you eat and drink. You want to avoid things that tend to relax your muscles. So, don’t drink alcohol, take drugs, or any medications like sleeping pills or antihistamines. As your muscles relax, your airways become restricted, and this leads to snoring. Smoking is yet another contributing factor. The hot smoke causes swelling and inflammation of the airways, and this too constricts them.

Then there are foods to avoid, or to eat. First off, don’t eat a large meal close to bedtime; a full stomach will press against your diaphragm, and this too will constrict your airways. Also, dairy products cause the build-up of mucus in your breathing passages, and this too leads to snoring.

Then there are foods like pizza, chocolate, cakes and cookies; they’re very rich in calories, and they also contribute to snoring. One food that has been found to help reduce snoring is honey. A small dose before bed can help. It’s thought that it asks as a natural antihistamine, and thus clears the airways. In addition, just losing weight, if you’re overweight, can also help.

Snoring is one of the most common sleep problems. While it causes no medical issues, it can be very unpleasant for your partner.

One key aid is moisture – keeping your throat and airways at optimum moisture eases tightness of the airways and reduces congestion. So, drinking some water or using a room humidifier can be helpful. Also, if you suffer from hay fever and have to take an antihistamine, be sure to drink plenty of water. The two will combine to dry out your airways, yet also keep them properly moist.

If snoring persists…

If snoring persists, there are things like dental grips, nasal strips, and anti-snoring pills and nasal sprays. All of them accomplish the same thing: opening your airways. With a dental device, it normally has to be custom designed and made by the dentist.

If none of these measures helps, then surgery may be needed. Consult with your doctor, and get a second opinion on how to proceed. The most common physical problems that cause snoring are a deviated septum, enlarged tonsils, or having a large overbite. A doctor can do somnoplasty, which requires going in through the mouth and removing some of the soft tissue in the upper airway.

Surgery for preventing snoring

If a deviated septum is the problem, nasal surgery can clear the airway by removing the obstruction. Then there’s an auvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP); the removal of some soft tissue from the back of the throat in the area of the palate. If you have an overbite, mandibular maxillar advancement surgery moves the lower jaw forward, and this opens the airway up more.

Finally, a Pillar Palatal Implant can ease snoring by reducing vibrations in the soft palate. Three pieces of polyester mesh are sown into the area between the hard and soft palate. Whichever means you use, there are plenty of ways to deal with snoring.